Case, Case XX, Case "Tested": difference?

[MTHall720]

I am so new to this that I don't know the difference between these three. Is there a difference? Does tested mean someone did a test for quality or something? I really like the Case knives I have seen in person.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

These distinctions sometimes represent different vintages of Case knives, but sometimes are just a marketing label (possibly inaccurately applied). For example, Case knives made in the 1940 - 1964 era are often referred to as 'Case XX' or 'XX era' knives, because the tang stamp was marked as:

CASE
XX

Some very old Case knives (pre-1940) were stamped as 'Tested' or 'Tested XX' or similar. Those are pretty rare. Here's a link to Case's site, with an index of their tang stamps through the years:

http://www.wrcase.com/case_college/tang_stamps/

I think Case does still occasionally produce limited runs with variations on these labels, seen either on the tang stamp or on the shield. I think some of the Case Select line may have been marked as such.

(Here's a quote from Case, regarding the origin of the 'XX' mark, from their site: http://www.wrcase.com/case_college/what_makes_case_different/)

"Tested XX.
The Tested XX is a symbol of Case's commitment to quality which can be traced back to the early days of Case when blades were tempered and tested not just once (X), but twice (XX)."

 

[MTHall720]

Thanks very much for clearing this up for me. That also helps explain why I have seen some older ones going for a lot, while some are much more affordable. I have only looked at some Case knives in person at my local store but not yet seen Queen, Bulldog, or Schatt&Morgan.

 

[Ms. Case]

Here's an updated link to Case's new website and list of tang stamps.
https://www.casecollectorsclub.com/college/tang-stamps/

 

[Edm1]

Thanks for asking and thanks for the links. I've been pondering doing a search to find out how to date different era knives. You saved me the work.

 

[MerryMadMonk]

Here's an updated link to Case's new website and list of tang stamps.
https://www.casecollectorsclub.com/college/tang-stamps/

Thank you!